Contrasting Friendships
Throughout the entire play, Julius Caesar, William Shakespeare repeatedly shows a theme of friendship. Living in Rome during 44 B.C., Brutus, an honorable man who starts out friends with both Cassius and Caesar, ends up joining along with Cassius to betray Caesar with assassination. After the assassination, a civil war develops between the traitors and the triumvirate of Antony, Lepidus, and Octavius. Because of some confusion, Cassius ends up committing suicide and again Brutus follows his lead. In the end, the conspirators lose the war. The friendships of Brutus with Caesar and Cassius contrast sharply in that Caesar loves with truth while Cassius betrays with lies. In the beginning, Brutus and Caesar have a good friendship full of trust and deep respect for one another. On more than one occasion, Caesar openly shows his love fo
Caesar knows only love for Brutus while Cassius manipulates him into murdering Caesar because of the envied position he holds. Let us leave him-pass" (Act 1 Sc 2 L 24). Their personalities differ greatly and each makes up for what the other lacks. Also, Cassius uses lies to persuade by planting fake letters on Brutus' doorstep. As a result of Brutus' betrayal to Caesar, Brutus proves to be loyal to Rome even at the cost of his friend's death. Although Cassius is not perfect, he still loves Brutus and their friendship withstands through it all. By showing these physical ailments, Cassius convinces Brutus to join him. Cassius states that "Caesar doth bear me hard, but he loves Brutus" (Act 1 Sc 2 L 293), but Brutus' stoic beliefs overtake his love for Caesar and cause him to murder his friend for the benefit of Rome. As they are celebrating in the streets, a soothsayer shouts a warning to Caesar, but he is ignored with Caesar's comment "He is a dreamer. Unfortunately for Brutus, the lack of faith in Caesar begins to develop and Brutus so easily falls into step behind Cassius. They never see eachother again, but this shows that they really do have a true friendship. In conclusion, Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare, portrays how sharply friendships contrast. Forever, and forever farewell, Brutus! If we do meet again, we'll smile indeed; If not, tis true this parting was well made (Act 5 Sc2 L 120-123).
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